SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1462
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, March 19, 2009
Title: An act relating to beer and wine specialty shops.
Brief Description: Regarding malt liquor sold by beer and/or wine specialty shops.
Sponsors: Representatives Williams, Chandler, Newhouse, Moeller and Upthegrove.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 3/19/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, Honeyford, King and Kline.
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: Holders of certain retail liquor licenses can obtain an endorsement from the Liquor Control Board (LCB) to sell kegs of beer for off-premise consumption. Currently, the authority to sell kegs is limited to holders of tavern licenses; spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses; and beer and/or wine restaurant licenses. Holders of a beer and/or wine specialty shop license are not authorized to sell kegs.
Licensees selling kegs must comply with keg registration procedures using forms provided by the LCB, and the LCB may charge licensees for the costs of providing the registration forms. The fee for the keg endorsement is $120 per year.
Summary of Bill: Holders of a beer and/or wine specialty shop license may obtain an endorsement to sell kegs. Licensees must comply with keg registration procedures, and the LCB may charge licensees for the cost of providing registration forms.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Specialty beer shops should be allowed to sell kegs. Customers of bottle shops shouldn’t have to go elsewhere for kegs. This bill would allow one-stop shopping for customers looking for beer in all vessels and gives breweries one more place to sell their kegs.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jeff Bert, Gravity Beer Market; Heather McClung, Washington Brewers Guild and Schooner Exact Brewery; Janelle Pritchard, Washington Brewers Guild and Snoqualmie Falls Brewing.